Elks National Foundation Blog

Orange, Calif., Lodge No. 1475    Come one, come all! Orange, Calif., Lodge No. 1475 used an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to host a circus-themed evening for residents from the Eli Home—a local home for children who are survivors of domestic abuse. The Elks weren’t clowning around at this three-ring circus!  Elks dressed as clowns offered face painting and passed out balloon animals. A photo booth full of props provided candid photos for the guests and their families and friends. The local high school choir and a magician entertained guests during their night under the big top.   “The Promise Grant allowed us to invite residents of the Eli Home to the Lodge,” says Project Manager Craig Coleman. “It was wonderful to put a smile on these kids’ faces.” The Elks National Foundation awards $2,000 Promise Grants to the first 500 Lodges that pledge to host an event that helps build the character and competence of local youth. To ...

By Development Manager Kate Keating Edsey Texas hospitality is second to none, so I couldn’t have picked a better place for my first Hoop Shoot and Impact Grant project visit. Communications Specialist Kristen Scaletta and I headed down to the Big D last month by invitation of Jud Good, Southwest Regional Hoop Shoot Director. Kristen will tell you more about the Hoop Shoot contest next week, but let me just say how much I enjoyed the experience. It was amazing to meet the Elks who volunteer their time and talents to produce a spectacular weekend for the contestants and their families. I can’t wait to see how the winners from the Southwest Regional Contest do in Springfield—I have especially high hopes for my banquet tablemates from the 10 - 11 year-old group! During our time in Dallas, I was honored to see our Impact Grant dollars at work in Plano-Richardson Lodge 2485, guided by Exalter Ruler, Project Manager and Lodge ENF Chair Valree Thompson.  Valree was excited to sho...